GreenBoat...I don't think any of the boats I listed would be too much to hadle at sea. The additional weight and long keels give them directional stability and a sea kindly motion. They are all easily steered by a wind vane as well. Lighter is not better at sea or easier to handle IMHO and of course opinions vary on this...but I would refer you to a current discussion on the SSCA bulliten board. In
this thread the writer describes a recent return trip from Hawaii on a Cal40...a well built but light boat and reaffirms his decision to buy a Hans Christian.
Note that the Cape Dory is also available in a 32 footer if size is a concern. The Tayana does have a lot of wood...but some have no teak decks or removed teak decks that have been re-done in glass, so just keep an eye on Yacht-world if you otherwise like the boat.